keeping kids active during a holiday break

Start planning for holiday fun with the Holiday Break Game! Click here to download for free!

Ahh, holiday break is on the horizon.

But that doesn’t mean a relaxing time is on the way.

Whether you’re able to enjoy the full break with you kids or not, the time off can be tough on children and parents.

That’s because a break pulls kids out of a regular schedule. When routines are disrupted, it can change sleeping and eating habits. Plus, there’s so much time available to them. And they may not know what to do with it, or how to be purposeful with the time. And that can affect their mental health.

Kids of all ages need structure during time away from school; it can help them build resilience and give them a sense of security. Children also need unstructured time as well, to build creativity and problem solving. Finding the balance between organized activities and time to chill out can be tough, especially if you’re pulled in other directions and can’t be fully present.

Children may need help coming up with things to do. Some kids may have a hard time getting motivated to do anything. Others may have their own plans in mind that don’t exactly align with yours.

So, what can you do to help kids stay engaged while school’s out? Here are 8 tips from our experts to help you get started!

1. Talk about it. Discuss your expectations for break time. You may want to remind the child of any obligations that they (or you) have during the time off. Establish what you’d both like to do during break, which can help with planning activities. Share your rules for the break, such as a bedtime or what they’re allowed to do.
2. Expect boredom. Again, for the child who tends to get bored, talk about what to do with down time as well as benefits of boredom. Sometimes a simple trip to the library or park can break up the day.
3. Encourage them to come up with an idea. If your kiddoes tend to get bored, help them brainstorm ideas now by downloading our holiday break game). Talk about what they can do, offering some suggestions but adding open-ended questions to help them expand their horizons. Ask them who they’d like to spend time with during the break. Consider traditional activities for the time of year, materials you may have on hand, events going on, or bucket lists from the past to come up with ideas on what to do. Remember, not everything you “do” has to cost money.
4. Prepare for the holiday. If you celebrate a holiday over the break, why not have your child help you prepare food or decorate? By preparing for the holiday, it can build family belonging, create opportunities to connect while having fun and sharing family traditions.
5. Plan a visit. Connecting with others is so good for mental health! Whether visiting a family member or friend, a break can be a good opportunity for some quality time with others, especially If the child doesn’t get to see that person too often. It can also be a nice time to set up a playdate with a friend from school when the children don’t have the demands of academics.
6. Try something new. A break is a great time to try a new activity. Talk about things that your child has always wanted to try and discuss how you may be able to make one of those things happen.
7. Think physical. Whether you play a sport, take a hike or walk the mall together, making time to be active can be a good opportunity to move and connect (that helps everyone’s mental health). Remember, being physically active doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to exercise—though you can!
8. Volunteer. Giving back can be a meaningful way to spend time off. Volunteering can build empathy and help kids socialize in addition to the actual helping others part of the activity. Talk about things your child may want to do, like volunteer with pets or prepare a meal for someone in need. They may not want to volunteer upon the first ask, but if you give options that could pique their interest. If the child seems to behave differently over break, offer to talk.

If you’re concerned about a child’s mental health or safety, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

free resource: Holiday Break Game download is fun for the whole family

Looking for a fun way to connect with your kids this holiday season? Our Holiday Break Game is here to inspire you! Just click here to download the game (also available to download en español), cut out the cards, and start planning exciting holiday activities together. Let the holiday fun begin!

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